CanNor investments support four tourism initiatives across the Yukon

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, and Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $560,000 to support four Yukon tourism providers as they continue to adapt and grow beyond the pandemic. This aligns with Canadian Tourism Week, an annual celebration of the national tourism industry, workers, and captivating attractions that welcome visitors from home and abroad.

This funding, delivered by CanNor, supports the Yukon's tourism industry as it adjusts operations to meet public health requirements, offers innovative products and services to visitors, and develops inclusive, dynamic experiences to welcome back travelers.

Yukon Tourism Experiences Transmedia Project: $276,500

CanNor is investing $276,500 in this two-year project by Friends of the Klondike Corridor, a group focused on supporting and enhancing the growth of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Parks, with further investment from the Government of Yukon and other funders. This transmedia initiative incorporates weekly video blogs with social media posts and online games. The funding is delivered through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

Funding towards this project will result in a more inclusive and dynamic tourism experience, and will connect Yukon experiences with the Klondike Gold Rush story while incorporating First Nations perspectives and stampeder stories. This project will also create jobs for Yukon students, providing opportunities for youth to explore filming, editing, researching historical archives, marketing and social media strategies.

Yukon Heli-skiing Business Development and Market Expansion: $100,000

CanNor is investing $100,000 in this two-year project by Yukon Alpine Heliski, an organization that offers adventurous ski experiences down the White Pass and Klondike mountains with further investment from the proponent. This project allows the company to expand and diversify tourism operations. The funding is delivered through the TRF.

Funding towards this project will result in enhanced visitor experience including expanded accommodations, new offerings and safer, more sustainable and scalable operations.

The New Frontier-Barrier Free Tourism: $86,319

CanNor invested $86,319 in this one-year project by Inclusion Yukon, a non-profit organization that promotes meaningful inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, with further investment from the proponent. The project partners with local tourism businesses to upgrade infrastructure and training to become more accessible to clients of all abilities. The funding is delivered through Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth).

Funding towards this project increased the development of safe, accessible infrastructure upgrades and training for six tourism operators across the Yukon, and helped Inclusion Yukon operate an accessible van to transport clients to various businesses. These upgrades enabled these businesses and organizations to safely host visitors with mobility, auditory, visual, dietary limitations, cognitive differences as well as families and aging persons.

Overland Yukon Equipment Purchase and Modification: $99,999

CanNor is investing $99,999 in this two-year project by Overland Yukon, a tourism business that provides independent adventure experiences by renting vehicles prepped for Yukon camping, with further investment from the proponent. The project will allow the purchase and modification of vans that support the piloting of new guided experiences in the Yukon. The funding is delivered through the TRF.

Funding towards this project will help Overland Yukon adapt to changing consumer demands as the tourism sector continues to emerge from the impacts of the pandemic. This unique project will expand options for tourists seeking an authentic Yukon experience, making the territory more attractive as a tourist destination and driving demand for tourism organizations.